News/Bulletins

Lent is a time for change. We can be different. We can change our ways. Admittedly, it won't happen overnight. We will not wake up a changed person. It will take work. It will take effort, and most of all it will take God's grace. That is what is exciting about Lent. Lent offers us the opportunity to turn our life around. I think we all have a dissatisfaction with some area in our life. Lent beckons us to do something about it. God's grace is available.

PRAYER:
Father, I am off to a good start. I feel the excitement and the possibilities that this Lent will be different. I am going to be better; I am going to change. I feel it. Please don't let me whimper our and go back to my old ways. I want to be a better Christ follower. I want to have your peace in my heart. I want to be a better person. Send your Spirit upon me. I am ready and willing. AMEN

Share with one person your Lenten resolution. Be accountable to him or her.

Mrs. Rose Chan, mother of Rev. Augustine Chan, died on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 in Hong Kong, amidst her 5 children. She was 83 years old. Please remember Mrs. Chan and Fr. Augustine’s family in your prayers.

May the soul of Mrs. Chan and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.

It is a time for us to reflect on our lives, our choices, and our actions, so as to recognize our sins and name them. To turn away from a life of excess, earthly desires, and actions motivated by the self. We are to find comfort in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as we experience God’s Mercy and to spend the 40 days of Lent in penance for the reparation of our sins, asking for a conversion of our hearts to only seek what is good in the Lord’s eyes, and to spend time with the Lord in prayer.

It is through dying to one’s self, and rising to a new life with Christ as we renew our Baptism vows, that we find Comfort, Hope, Love, and Mercy this Easter.

This weekend, January 23/24, 2016. the women of the Catholic Women’s League invite you to become a member of this great organization that unites women in faith, offers sisterhood, support and affirmation that empowers women to live out their Christian values in their home and in the world.

Speak with one of our members in the Narthex after all masses to find out why you belong in the CWL.

This year's St. Vincent de Paul's Annual Christmas Drive was able to help 723 people, in 181 families right here in our community. This was only possible through the generosity of so many of you, in both time and resources. A very special thanks to all who gave, and who volunteered. You indeed lifted the spirits of your neighbours during this Holy Season.

On behalf of the parish staff, Deacon Paul, Fr. Augustine, and Fr. Mark, I would like to truly wish you a blessed Christmas. Jesus Christ, our Savior, is born!

The Lord Jesus came to lift us from darkness, to gladden our hearts, make clear the goal of life. Jesus came to reveal God to us. He is the face of God. He came not only to show us why God created us, but also to lead us to the Eternal Home He made for us. He puts an entirely new face on everything.

He shows us that God loves us and works constantly to draw us to Himself. As Scripture says, “See, I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5). No wonder we sing, “Joy to the World” at Christmas time.

All our hopes, all our joys, all our peace rest in Jesus. So we celebrate His birth with exceedingly great joy, for He was born to help us change from the old to the new:

From Greed to Generosity,
From Selfishness to Love for Others,
From Thoughtlessness to Thoughtfulness,
From Despair to Hope,
From Inner Confusion to Peace,
From Despondency to Joy,
From Fear to Trust in God,
From Ingratitude to Gratitude
From being Earthbound to being full of Desire for Heaven

We must – we absolutely must – celebrate Christmas. In her Liturgy, Holy Church teaches us how to do this – how to prepare for it (Advent), how to celebrate it in the Christmas Mass and in the Christmas Feasts of the Holy Innocents, the Holy Family, Mary Mother of God, the Epiphany, and the Baptism of the Lord.

Whatever you may be suffering, whatever your disappointments, whatever the state of your health, whatever the state of your prayer life, let the peace, joy, and hope of Christmas fill you through and through. If something has happened to alienate you from Jesus, use the season to make it right with Him. He loves you and is waiting for you.

May our Mother Mary cover you with her mantle of love as you and your family continue to welcome the presence of the Savior to your homes.

His Eminence, Cardinal Collins is inviting all married couples, especially those celebrating their 25th, 40th, and 50+ wedding anniversaries in 2016, to join him for Mass and a special Celebration of Marriage at St. Andrew Kim Parish on Saturday, February 13th, 2016 to honour their fidelity and faithfulness. These couples will have reserved seating but pre-registration is required.